Barney was interested in bringing professional boxing back to Northern Ireland in a big way.

[citation needed]
McGuigan appeared in the third series of ITV's Hell's Kitchen in September 2007 where he was eventually crowned the winner after winning the public vote. On 16 November Italy's Valerio Nati defended his European Featherweight belt versus McGuigan in Belfast and McGuigan won the crown with a knockout in the sixth round. [citation needed]
McGuigan currently lives near Whitstable Kent with his wife and children.